Former Real Madrid playmaker reflects on time at club: ‘The only one responsible for my failure is me’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have boasted of some of the biggest names in world football over the years, especially in midfield with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro all belonging in the previous generation of Real Madrid midfielders.

One of their teammates also seen to be a potential era-defining player who failed to explode, however, was Isco Alarcon, as the player struggled with both form and fitness towards the latter stages of his time at the club.

Isco signed for Real Madrid from Malaga in 2013 and spent nine years at the club, where he won plenty of trophies, but was unable to live up to his fullest potential.

The 33-year-old Spanish international left Real Madrid for Sevilla in 2022 and eventually joined Real Betis one year later. Now, surprisingly, he is enjoying the best form of his career and has been a leader on the field for Los Verdiblancos.

Isco speaks on Real Madrid

Speaking to AS in a recent interview, the former Real Madrid star spoke out on his failed stint at the club and the factors responsible for him not making it big for Los Blancos.

Isco during his time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“Some coaches appreciate you more than others, that’s how football is,” he began, hinting towards the manager being a possible factor.

Isco then elaborated on how not being in the right mental space took a toll on his performance and eventually had a role to play in his poor stint at Real Madrid.

“After a while, in Madrid, everything was more complicated for me. When you are not well mentally, it shows in your game.”

“I was going through a bad sporting and personal streak. I didn’t know how to recover. The only one responsible for my failure is me,” he added.

Isco left Real Madrid in 2022, after making 353 appearances, managing 53 goals and 58 assists. He won 19 trophies during that time, including five UEFA Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.